criminal path

USAGE SUMMARY

"criminal path" is correct and can be used in written English.
This term is generally used to describe a person's behavior or lifestyle that is associated with criminal activity. For example, you could say, "After dropping out of high school, John chose to take the criminal path and quickly found himself in trouble with the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He said he changed his criminal path when he was shot on a Philadelphia street at age 22 after a dispute with two men.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's clear now there is also a parallel, criminal path -- starting with the early perverters of a new technology up to the really twisted perverters.

The New York Times

The basic idea is to reach and help borderline youths at a moment of crisis, and turn them away from a more serious criminal path.

The New York Times

Horrified and furious, Enrique embraces the only definition of masculinity he knows, beginning a backslide down the criminal path that his watchful parole officer (Isiah Whitlock Jr). is unable to prevent.

The New York Times

Individuals who are impatient, they believe, prefer instant benefits and are therefore less likely to be deterred by potential punishments.But those who fret that a person's criminal path is set already as a teenager should not despair.

The Economist

Unbeknownst to her, he is a robber on the run as well as a fussy, domineering brute who improves her manners and her wardrobe even while launching her on a criminal path.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

What the World Bank and the United Nations have failed to adequately appreciate is that their continual approaches of cooperation with rabidly corrupt regimes serve largely to encourage those regimes to believe they can continue on their criminal paths.

Huffington Post

If the injunction keeps someone like Arellano off the streets long enough to evade the gang's pull, to grow more mature and find a non-criminal path, that's a bonus, prosecutors say.

Los Angeles Times

The center's director Signy Arnason said a realization that the province was "playing catch-up on this issue" triggered the creation of the law, which will "provide other tools and options for those who are impacted and don't necessarily want to go down the criminal justice path".

Vice

If Mr. Muhajir's case had proceeded along the normal criminal-law path, it would have triggered procedures designed to protect his rights.

The New York Times

Sometimes, shamans here say, the authorities and criminals cross paths in the witches' waiting rooms, but neither side readily identifies the other.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's past, use "criminal path" to describe a period of illegal activity rather than their entire identity. For example, "He has moved beyond his criminal path and is now a productive member of society."

Common error

Avoid using "criminal path" when you mean the system of laws, courts, and institutions designed to handle criminal cases. Use "criminal justice system" to refer to the legal framework.

Linguistic Context

Criminal path functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a pattern of behavior characterized by illegal activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "criminal path" is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, describing a pattern or lifestyle of criminal activity. While the phrase itself is neutral, its use often implies a negative connotation due to the association with illegal behavior. Alternatives include "life of crime" or "descent into criminality", depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a sustained pattern of illegal behavior rather than isolated incidents, and avoid confusing it with terms related to the justice system.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

life of crime

This alternative refers to a sustained involvement in criminal activities, focusing on the lifestyle aspect.

choosing a life of crime

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of personal choice in embarking on criminal activities.

descent into criminality

This phrase emphasizes the process of gradually becoming involved in crime.

path of lawlessness

This alternative uses "lawlessness" to highlight the disregard for legal norms.

slide into delinquency

This phrase suggests a gradual decline into minor offenses, often associated with youth.

criminal trajectory

This alternative focuses on the projected course of criminal behavior over time.

life of an outlaw

This alternative emphasizes the rebellious and fugitive aspect of a criminal lifestyle.

illegal pursuits

This alternative emphasizes the active engagement in unlawful activities.

descent into the underworld

This phrase evokes the secretive and dangerous nature of organized crime.

way of the transgressor

This alternative highlights the deliberate violation of rules and laws.

FAQs

How can I use "criminal path" in a sentence?

You can use "criminal path" to describe someone's involvement in illegal activities, like "He turned away from the "criminal path" after a close call with the law".

What are some alternatives to "criminal path"?

Some alternatives include "life of crime", "descent into criminality", or "path of lawlessness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "criminal path" a formal or informal term?

"Criminal path" is a relatively neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might prefer alternatives like "illegal pursuits".

What's the difference between "criminal path" and "criminal behavior"?

"Criminal path" implies a sustained pattern or lifestyle of criminal activity, whereas "criminal behavior" can refer to isolated incidents or actions.